Don Babb / Classic Mfg. Update

[3bytheknee]

I ordered a new 28 Ford roadster pickup body from Classic Mfg. of Lancaster, CA last July. I finally got it February 18, 2004. Don Babb, the owner, seems like a nice fellow and the product looks good now that I have it, BUT, I went through the anguish of about 4 failed promise dates during the last 7 months and then he wouldn't even say when it would be done. The first due date was 30 days from the order. I think Don is a world-class procrastinator and possibly the most disorganized person I have done business with. I never did get an invoice or a list of items to be included. We talked about it over the phone but he never could find a list or send me one (as promised) and operated on memory (questionable) and a list I faxed to him for confirmation. He even lost that list. He knows his Model A business, but there is never any paperwork. I seriously doubt that the IRS is even aware he is in business. He has no catalog any more. He used to have one several years ago.

Anyway, the product looks good, the price is good, but stand by for a long wait and many disappointing due dates missed. In January he called while I was out and said the body would be finished in three weeks. I sent him a fax saying that if it is not done then to cancel the order and return my deposit. I guess he only operates under a threat. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif

[3bytheknee]

I just took another look at the photo and it looks like the metal around the cowl is really wrinkled. It's just the downsizeing of a digital photo that makes it look that way I believe. The body is straight.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
http://photo.starblvd.net/3bytheknee?st=album&pg=0&ro=0&co=3

[thirtytwo]

what kinda money are we talkin??

[Levis Classic]

Yea what is the cost. Does he make them or is it a brookville body?

[3bytheknee]

Don claims to stamp parts. Some pieces he bought elsewhere.

The package includes..........
Cab with 2" extended doors and 2" extended quarter panels.
Bed shortened, stainless bed strips, all bed wood.
Ford script tailgate, chains and covers.
Hood top, grille, cowl cover, upper firewall.
4" recessed lower firewall.
2" chopped chromed windshield, stainless posts, plus hardware.
Delivery (to my area).
Total package $7600

[mr.midnite]

looks like a nice piece. Just for comparison, Brookville has a 5 month wait for a '28-'29 rpu body. I called to inquire as to the difference between the '28 and '29 rpu doors that are offered in their catalog. I was told that their '29 rpu doors have outside door handles. I personally have never seen a genuine '29 rpu with exterior door handles and I cannot find a photo of one in any of my reference books.

[DrJ]

[ QUOTE ]
looks like a nice piece. Just for comparison, Brookville has a 5 month wait for a '28-'29 rpu body. I called to inquire as to the difference between the '28 and '29 doors that are offered in their catalog. I was told that their '29 doors have outside door handles. I personally have never seen a genuine '29 with exterior door handles and I cannot find a photo of one in any of my reference books.

[/ QUOTE ]
That is true, the 29 roadster bodies had outside handles while the 28 did not.

[mr.midnite]

DrJ,
I know '29 roadster's had exterior door handles but not '29 rpu's. All my refernce books state that '29's were unchanged from '28's and that "the open pick-up did not receive outside door handles".

[Satinblack]

WOW, Whats Don's address now? He's on 20th or 30th street right? I need to go over there and slap him around. Satin

[3bytheknee]

Satin,

The only address I have may be his home, or shop, or both? I have not been there.

Don Babb/Classic Mfg.
2620 West Avenue M-8
Palmdale, CA 93551
661-947-5460

You needed to slap him around about 5 months ago. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[3bytheknee]

Mr.Midnite,

I recently talked to Brookville and they will build the 28/29 rpu in the extended version even though it does not show in their catalog. My next move was to cancel Don Babb and order from Brookville. They said they would bring it to the Goodguys event in Pleasanton, CA in Aug. Saves a big chunk for shipping. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Satinblack]

That must be his house. I'll have to go there and check it out. LOL

[The Blownranger]

I got a 30 Brooksville RPU about 2 years ago,about a 3
month wait picked it up at GG in Columbus.Finished it in
3 months.No complaints.
You`re sure to GET IT with BR,my buddy lost half($1000.)of
his deposit with Babb on a `33 roadster.He was lucky.
Babb sold the `33/34 roadster busness to Steves Real Steel
in Portland.They raised the price a little,but they get them out.
Good Luck...JR..